Screeshot of “Woof Words”, a brand-new smartphone app
Dogs Trust Unveils Groundbreaking Bark Technology To Decode Your Four Legged Friends
2 weeks ago 
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Ever wished you could understand exactly what your dog is trying to say? Dogs Trust may have the answer. The UK’s largest dog welfare charity has today unveiled “Woof Words”, a brand-new smartphone app designed to help decode what dogs are saying, bringing owners one step closer to understanding their canine companions.
Using “cutting-edge canine linguistics” and “advanced bark-recognition technology,” WoofWords special audio feature decodes your dog’s woofs in real time. This technology has been developed by researchers at Barking University, America.
At the same time, a unique “tail wagging” imagery reader helps owners decode their dog’s body language. This will ultimately help owners to understand whether their dog is saying “I’m happy”, “Take me to the Beach”, “Treat please” or “Feed me now.”
The app works by analysing pitch, rhythm, and emotional tone in dog barks, along with some body language signs, and matching them to a database of thousands of canine vocalisations and images. Owners simply hold their phone near their dog and wait for the translation to appear on the screen.
Sadly, WoofWords is not yet available to download – this announcement is an April Fool
Research from the Dogs Trust National Dog Survey shows that 76% of dog owners cannot recognise the body language signs that indicate their dog is stressed or uncomfortable.
Some of the body language signs and signals missed the most, according to the National Dog Survey, were:
- A common misconception is that a dog rolling over when approached means they want a belly rub. 76% failed to spot that this could mean a dog is feeling uncomfortable or needs space.
- Two-thirds of those surveyed did not know that yawning can indicate that their dog is worried and needs space.
- 59% failed to recognise that a dog licking their lips with their ears pulled back means they could be worried and need space, and 53% failed to recognise that a dog licking their lips while turning their head away could also be a sign that a dog is uncomfortable.
- Around a third of those surveyed said they thought a wagging tail always means a dog is happy. However, dogs wag their tails for all sorts of reasons - tail movements are a great way to communicate - but they don’t always mean a dog is happy.
- Understanding when their dogs are feeling stressed or anxious is key in helping owners to prevent dog bites or aggression.
Dr Ted Houndson, Lead Researcher, at Dogs Trust, said:
“Understanding our dogs isn’t just about strengthening the bond we share with them; it’s essential for their well-being and safety. Our dogs are constantly communicating with us, but too often we miss the signs. WoofWords is designed to give owners a clearer window into their dog’s world, from moments of joy to early signs of stress, so they can respond with confidence and care."
For more information, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/understanding-your-dog/body-language
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